Phyllis A. Sirotko

Phyllis A. Sirotko, age 83 of Grand Rapids, formerly of Whitehall-Montague, fell asleep in the Lord Jesus Christ, whom she loved her entire life, on Wednesday, March 9, 2022.  

She was born in Pontiac, Michigan January 20, 1939 to Arnold and Esther Bourziel who were teachers and musicians.  Phyllis loved music, especially classical and jazz.  She played flute, piano, guitar and had a beautiful voice.  Mrs. Sirotko held a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Michigan and was a Registered Nurse.

Phyllis raised four children while moving around the world, from Germany to Hawaii.  She was a stellar example of an Army Chaplain’s and parish priest’s wife; a mother, musician, gardener, and community volunteer extraordinaire.  She received the highest award, “Volunteer in Public Service,” at Fort Knox, Kentucky, for exceeding 4,500 volunteer hours with organizations like the Red Cross, English/ESL, Special Olympics, community orchestras & jazz bands, and Covenant House.

Phyllis married the great love of her life, Theodore F. Sirotko, May 5, 1962. They met while singing in the church choir.  Surviving is her husband, Fr. Ted; daughters MaryAnne Sirotko-Turner (John III) of Atlanta and Kathleen (David) Bower of Cincinnati; sons Stephen Sirotko of Norfolk and Michael Sirotko (Angela) of Allendale; grandchildren: Eva Bower, Nicholas Sirotko, Nathaniel Sirotko, and Noah Sirotko; and numerous cousins and extended family coast-to-coast. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 12 at St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church, 2250 E. Paris Avenue SE, Grand Rapids. Visitation from 10am to 12pm, Service at 12:00pm, with Meal of Mercy following.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church, Clark Foundation-Benevolent Fund, or Emmanuel Hospice.

Below is a link to live stream the service live on Saturday.   

https://stnicholasgr.com/watch-live/

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